Environmental considerations of low-temperature drilling fluids

Title Environmental considerations of low-temperature drilling fluids
Publication Type
Journal Article
Year
2014
Author(s) Pavel Talalay , Zhengyi Hu, Huiwen Xu, Dahui Yu, Lili Han, Junjie Han, Lili Wang
Journal/ Publication
Annals of Glaciology
Volume
55
Issue
65
Pagination
31-40
Abstract

The introduction of low-temperature fluid into boreholes drilled in ice sheets helps to remove drilling cuttings and to prevent borehole closure through visco-plastic deformation. Only special fluids, or mixtures of fluids, can satisfy the very strict criteria for deep drilling in cold ice. The effects of drilling fluid on the natural environment are analyzed from the following points of view: (1) occupational safety and health; (2) ozone depletion and global warming; (3) chemical pollution; and (4) biological pollution. Traditional low-temperature drilling fluids (kerosene-based fluids with density additives, ethanol and n-butyl acetate) cannot be qualified as intelligent choices from the safety, environmental and technological standpoints. This paper introduces a new type of low-temperature drilling fluid composed of synthetic ESTISOLTM esters, which are non-hazardous substances. ESTISOLTM 140 mixtures with ESTISOLTM 165 or ESTISOLTM F2887 have an acceptable density and viscosity at low temperature. To avoid the potential for biological contamination of the subglacial environment, the borehole drilling fluid should be treated carefully on the surface.

DOI
10.3189/2014AoG65A226
URL
Special Collections ESTISOL 140 Drilling Fluid
Categories Drilling Fluids, Subglacial Access
Citation Pavel Talalay , Zhengyi Hu, Huiwen Xu, Dahui Yu, Lili Han, Junjie Han, Lili Wang ( 2014 ) Environmental considerations of low-temperature drilling fluids. Annals of Glaciology , 55 , 65 , 31-40 . doi: 10.3189/2014AoG65A226
Lead Author
Pavel Talalay